Three people lost their lives and 10 others were injured in a mass shooting at a nightclub in the Turks and Caicos Islands early Sunday morning, July 27. This incident marks the first mass shooting in recent memory for this British territory.
According to local officials, the shooting occurred at around 2:57 a.m. at the Island Hookah Lounge on Providenciales. Police were called to the scene following reports of gunfire and discovered three victims had died at the location. Ten additional people were taken to a local hospital with injuries ranging from minor to critical.
Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey stated that surveillance footage revealed at least four suspects, all armed with powerful firearms, were involved in the attack.
During a press briefing, Premier Charles Washington Misick linked the violence to ongoing gang activity, particularly within Haitian communities. He expressed deep concern, saying, “What is happening here is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.” Misick called on the Haitian community to assist authorities and help trace how illegal weapons are making their way into the country. He reassured the public that the government stands behind law enforcement and emphasized the need for solidarity and determination in confronting such violence.
Acting Governor Anya Williams confirmed the event has been classified as a national security crisis, with both the United Kingdom and the National Crime Agency notified about the shooting. As a precaution, the hospital in Providenciales was placed on lockdown to ensure the safety of the victims.
Of those injured, nine sustained gunshot wounds, according to Williams. Seven people are still hospitalized, with one listed in serious condition. Two of the injured individuals were airlifted to receive specialized care abroad.
Bailey described the shooting as extremely troubling and said police would increase their presence throughout the islands in response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force strongly condemned the incident in a public statement and asked for community assistance in their investigation.
A reward of $10,000 is being offered for any information leading to the arrest of those responsible.
This tragedy occurs as the islands ramp up enforcement against illegal immigration. Approximately 10,900 Haitians reside in the Turks and Caicos Islands, making up roughly a third of the population. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that around 80 percent of Haitian residents live on Providenciales, with 20 percent holding permanent residency.
The site of the attack, also referred to as the Hookah and Cigar Lounge, is a well-known nightclub in the area. It’s located near Blue Mountain on Providenciales, the island with the largest population in the territory.
The Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory, lie southeast of the Bahamas and north of Haiti. Recently, the U.S. State Department has placed greater focus on the area, issuing a Level 2 travel advisory in March that urges travelers to use increased caution due to concerns about crime.
Recommendations in the advisory include avoiding walking alone at night, only opening doors for expected visitors, and not physically resisting during robberies. The warning was issued ahead of the spring break travel period.
Authorities continue to investigate as they search for the four suspects linked to the shooting.